Kelton O'Connell

Beyond initiating the sale of the former H-T building, MCCSC trustees reviewed progress on an elementary redistricting study, heard updates on construction projects, approved preschool partnerships for next year, and discussed a new Indiana law requiring stricter limits on student cell phone use.

MCCSC has initiated the sale of the former Herald-Times building, citing financial constraints and steep renovation costs estimated at $35 million. After a public hearing where no one spoke, the board voted unanimously to proceed, with a published notice of intent required in 30 days.

MCCSC could hold a March 24 hearing on selling the former Herald-Times building, as the board weighs options of sale, renovation, or delay. Survey responses were split between school-related uses and selling.

Ninety-nine MCCSC teachers will receive state-funded stipends of $3,500 or $5,000 under a revamped Teacher Appreciation Grant program. A new law caps awards at 20% of teachers, replacing smaller stipends that previously were distributed to almost all teachers.

On Thursday, MCCSC hosted a community forum on the former Herald-Times building it bought for nearly $3 million, outlining three options—sell, postpone or renovate. The 77,000-square-foot site is now used for storage and bus parking. An online survey has drawn 350-plus responses.